Irom Sharmila's supporters protest outside Delhi court

Demanding revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) over 30 supporters of Manipur's "Iron Lady" Irom Sharmila Chanu gathered outside Patiala House Court on Monday morning and raised slogans in support of her campaign.

Demanding revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) over 30 supporters of Manipur's "Iron Lady" Irom Sharmila Chanu gathered outside Patiala House Court on Monday morning and raised slogans in support of her campaign.

HT Image

The renowned rights activist has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 2, 2000 in Manipur, demanding the withdrawal of AFSPA from the state after witnessing the killing of 10 people by the army at a bus stop near her home.

Raising slogans "we want justice," Bhavan Meiti, a journalist from Manipur said: "We demand the repeal of the draconian AFSPA which violates the human rights of people in the name of curbing the insurgency. We are with her (Irom Sharmila) the 'Iron Lady' of Manipur."

"The army often misuses the power given to it by the government. The demand to revoke AFSPA is not the demand by the people or by few activists, but even the committee appointed by the central government has recommended it," Meiti said.

Social activist from Manipur, Irom Sharmila, (C) who has been on a fast for 12 years demanding the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), arrives at the airport in New Delhi. (AFP Photo)